Contactum DS160K 160A Triple Pole & Neutral Metal Enclosed Switch Disconnector

Heavy-Duty 160A TP&N Metal Enclosed Isolator for Three-Phase Distribution & Motor Loads

The Contactum DS160K 160A Metal Triple Pole & Neutral Switch is a robust, industrial-grade enclosed switch disconnector designed to provide safe local isolation of high-current three-phase electrical supplies.

Rated at 160A and suitable for 220–415V AC, 50–60Hz supplies, the DS160K combines a heavy-duty switch mechanism with a durable steel enclosure. It is designed for surface mounting and manufactured to BS EN 60947-3, making it suitable for a wide range of commercial, industrial and electrical distribution applications.

The enclosure incorporates a door-interlocked, padlockable operating handle, disconnectable solid neutral link and bottom-mounted gland plate. Contactum's current enclosed-switch literature also specifies the range for AC22 distribution and AC23 motor loads, providing versatility across demanding installations.

Key Features

• Contactum 160A Metal Enclosed Switch Disconnector
• Product Code DS160K
• 160A Rated Current
• Triple Pole & Neutral Configuration
• Designed for Three-Phase Applications
• 220–415V AC Rated
• 50–60Hz Frequency
• Heavy-Duty Steel Enclosure
• Surface Mounted
• Hinged Steel Door
• Door-Interlocked Operating Handle
• Padlockable for Safe Isolation
• Accepts Up to 3 Padlocks
• Disconnectable Solid Neutral Link
• Suitable for Distribution Loads
• Suitable for Motor Loads
• AC22 & AC23 Applications
• Bottom-Mounted Gland Plate
• Mounting Plate Included
• 4mm Minimum Contact Gap
• BS EN 60947-3 Compliant
• 400mm x 300mm x 150mm Enclosure
• Ideal for Commercial & Industrial Installations

Contactum's current product page confirms the 160A rating, 220–415V supply, 50–60Hz frequency, steel enclosure and BS EN 60947-3 compliance.

Reliable 160A Three-Phase Isolation

The DS160K provides a robust means of isolating electrical equipment and distribution circuits with loads up to 160A.

Its triple-pole and neutral arrangement makes it particularly suitable for three-phase electrical systems where reliable local isolation is required for maintenance, servicing or emergency procedures.

Contactum lists the unit as a 160A Metal Triple Pole & Neutral Switch within its Enclosed Disconnect range.

Heavy-Duty Metal Enclosure

Designed for demanding electrical installations, the DS160K is housed within a substantial steel enclosure.

Contactum specifies both the cabinet and door/cover steel at 1.2mm thickness, providing a durable housing for the switching mechanism and electrical connections. A mounting plate is also included.

The metal construction makes the unit particularly suitable for plant rooms, workshops, commercial electrical installations and industrial environments where a more robust enclosure is required.

Door-Interlocked Operating Handle

Safety is an important consideration when isolating high-current equipment.

The Contactum enclosed disconnect range incorporates a door-interlocked operating handle as standard, helping prevent access to internal live components while the switch remains in its normal energised operating position.

This provides a practical and professional isolation solution for industrial and commercial electrical systems.

Padlockable for Safe Isolation

The operating mechanism can be padlocked using up to three padlocks, allowing the switch to be secured in the isolated position during maintenance or servicing.

This is particularly useful in workplaces where formal electrical isolation and lock-off procedures are used.

Multiple padlock capability can also support maintenance procedures involving more than one authorised person.

AC22 & AC23 Applications

Contactum's current enclosed-switch literature states that the range is suitable for AC22 distribution loads and AC23 motor loads.

This makes the DS160K suitable for a broad variety of electrical applications, from distribution circuit isolation through to suitable motor and machinery supplies.

Correct switch selection should always take account of the connected load, utilisation category and applicable electrical design requirements.

Disconnectable Solid Neutral Link

The DS160K incorporates a disconnectable solid neutral link, providing a practical TP&N configuration for three-phase distribution applications.

This differentiates it from a straightforward three-pole switch and makes it suitable for systems where provision for the neutral conductor is required.

4mm Minimum Contact Gap

Contactum specifies a minimum switch contact gap of 4mm for the DS160K.

The switching mechanism is designed and tested in accordance with BS EN 60947-3, the relevant standard covering switches, disconnectors, switch-disconnectors and fuse-combination units.

Bottom-Mounted Gland Plate

The enclosure incorporates a bottom-mounted gland plate, helping simplify cable entry and allowing appropriate glands to be fitted according to the cable type and installation requirements.

The substantial enclosure provides room for terminating the larger conductors typically associated with a 160A electrical supply.

400mm x 300mm Metal Enclosure

The current Contactum enclosed switch brochure specifies the DS160K enclosure at 400mm high x 300mm wide x 150mm deep.

These dimensions provide a substantial enclosure while remaining practical for surface mounting in electrical cupboards, switch rooms, plant rooms and industrial installations.

Surface-Mounted Installation

The DS160K is designed for surface mounting, allowing it to be installed directly onto an appropriate wall, panel or supporting structure.

This makes it particularly appropriate for industrial and commercial installations where switchgear is typically installed visibly rather than recessed into finished walls.

Important – Unfused Switch Disconnector

The DS160K is an enclosed switch disconnector and is not the fused version.

It provides switching and isolation but does not incorporate the fuses found within Contactum's equivalent DFS range.

Where a 160A fused TP&N switch is required, the relevant Contactum product is the DFS160K. Contactum lists the DS160K under Enclosed Disconnects and the DFS160K separately under Fuse Switches.

• Brand: Contactum
• Range: Enclosed Disconnect
• Product Code: DS160K
• Product Type: Metal Enclosed Switch Disconnector
• Configuration: Triple Pole & Neutral
• Application: Three-Phase Switching & Isolation
• Rated Current: 160A
• Rated Voltage: 220–415V AC
• Frequency: 50–60Hz
• Nature of Supply: AC
• Wiring System: 3 Pole with Neutral Provision
• Minimum Switch Contact Gap: 4mm
• Enclosure Material: Steel
• Door Material: Steel
• Cabinet Plate Thickness: 1.2mm
• Door / Cover Plate Thickness: 1.2mm
• Door Type: Hinged Steel Door
• Mounting: Surface
• Mounting Plate Included: Yes
• Neutral: Disconnectable Solid Neutral Link
• Handle: Door-Interlocked Operating Handle
• Padlockable: Yes, Up to 3 Padlocks
• Cable Entry: Bottom-Mounted Gland Plate
• Utilisation: AC22 Distribution & AC23 Motor Loads
• Ambient Operating Temperature: -5°C to +40°C
• 24-Hour Average Ambient Limit: 25°C
• Height: 400mm
• Width: 300mm
• Depth: 150mm
• Associated Standard: BS EN 60947-3

Note on IP Rating

There is a discrepancy in Contactum's current published information for the enclosure protection rating. The individual DS160K webpage currently states IP65, while Contactum's dedicated enclosed-switch brochure specifies the metal enclosed range as IP66.

Suitable Applications

• Three-Phase Electrical Distribution
• Commercial Electrical Installations
• Industrial Electrical Installations
• Machinery Isolation
• Motor Isolation
• Plant Rooms
• Switch Rooms
• Workshops
• Factories
• Warehouses
• Commercial Buildings
• Industrial Units
• Distribution Equipment
• Mechanical Services
• HVAC Equipment
• Pumps & Motors
• Local Equipment Isolation
• High-Current Electrical Circuits
• Maintenance Isolation Points
• Surface-Mounted Industrial Switchgear

Why Choose the Contactum DS160K?

The Contactum DS160K provides a robust solution for installations requiring reliable isolation of a 160A three-phase supply.

Its combination of a steel enclosure, triple-pole and neutral configuration, disconnectable neutral link, door-interlocked handle and provision for up to three padlocks makes it particularly well suited to professional commercial and industrial installations.

The switch is manufactured to BS EN 60947-3 and rated for 220–415V AC at 50–60Hz, while its substantial 400 x 300 x 150mm enclosure provides a practical housing for higher-current cabling and switching equipment.

For contractors requiring a heavy-duty 160A TP&N metal enclosed switch disconnector for distribution, machinery or plant isolation, the Contactum DS160K provides a practical and durable solution from Contactum's established three-phase switchgear range.